Joanna Yeates' body released to family

The family of Joanna Yeates can begin to plan her funeral after her body was released, it emerged today.

A post mortem examination was carried out last week on behalf of Vincent Tabak by a pathologist, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Michael Fitton QC, representing Tabak, told the preliminary hearing that Dr Nat Carey conducted the examination last Wednesday.

"With his consent we have consented to the release of the body of the deceased," Mr Fitton told the court.

Tabak, who appeared in court via videolink from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, spoke only briefly during the 15 minute hearing.

A provisional trial date was fixed for October 4 and a plea and case management hearing will take place on May 4.

Members of the public and journalists filled the gallery of Courtroom 9.

Tabak, 32, appeared on TV screens in court, sitting behind a table with his hands together to listen to the proceedings.

Wearing glasses, a red jumper and dark trousers, the Dutch engineer spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the proceedings clearly.

Mr Justice Treacy, prosecutor Nigel Lickley QC, and Mr Fitton agreed the timetable for the trial.

At the conclusion of today's proceedings, the judge told Tabak: "Your next appearance in court will be on May 4 by which time the case papers will have been served and you will see in detail what the allegations are against you.

"There will be a hearing to make the final arrangements for a trial which we expect to take place in October."

No bail application was made and Tabak - Miss Yeates's next-door neighbour - was remanded into custody.

Tabak first appeared in court last week charged with killing the 25-year-old landscape architect some time between December 16 and December 26.

She disappeared on December 17 and her snow-covered body was discovered on Christmas Day, three miles from her home.

Tabak, a trilingual engineer, is an expert in the flow of people through buildings, including sports venues.

He lived next door to Miss Yeates with his girlfriend, Tanja Morson, an analyst for Dyson, in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

His arrest was the second to be made by detectives since the university graduate's frozen body was found dumped in a lane in Failand, North Somerset, on December 25 by a couple walking their dog. She had been strangled.

Miss Yeates disappeared after going for Christmas drinks with colleagues at her architectural firm in Bristol.

Her boyfriend, Greg Reardon, 27, reported her missing after he returned to the rented flat they shared on December 19 following a weekend away visiting family in Sheffield.

A huge police operation swung into action after her body was discovered on the verge in Longwood Lane, Failand.

Members of the public and journalists filled the gallery of Courtroom 9.

Tabak, 32, appeared on TV screens in court, sitting behind a table with his hands together to listen to the proceedings.

Wearing glasses, a red jumper and dark trousers, the Dutch engineer spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the proceedings clearly.

Mr Justice Treacy, prosecutor Nigel Lickley QC, and Mr Fitton agreed the timetable for the trial.

At the conclusion of today's proceedings, the judge told Tabak: "Your next appearance in court will be on May 4 by which time the case papers will have been served and you will see in detail what the allegations are against you.

"There will be a hearing to make the final arrangements for a trial which we expect to take place in October."

No bail application was made and Tabak - Miss Yeates's next-door neighbour - was remanded into custody.

Tabak first appeared in court last week charged with killing the 25-year-old landscape architect some time between December 16 and December 26.

She disappeared on December 17 and her snow-covered body was discovered on Christmas Day, three miles from her home.

Tabak, a trilingual engineer, is an expert in the flow of people through buildings, including sports venues.

He lived next door to Miss Yeates with his girlfriend, Tanja Morson, an analyst for Dyson, in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

His arrest was the second to be made by detectives since the university graduate's frozen body was found dumped in a lane in Failand, North Somerset, on December 25 by a couple walking their dog. She had been strangled.

Miss Yeates disappeared after going for Christmas drinks with colleagues at her architectural firm in Bristol.

Her boyfriend, Greg Reardon, 27, reported her missing after he returned to the rented flat they shared on December 19 following a weekend away visiting family in Sheffield.

A huge police operation swung into action after her body was discovered on the verge in Longwood Lane, Failand.

Miss Yeates's landlord, Chris Jefferies, 66, was arrested on December 30 and questioned for three days on suspicion of murder before being released without charge.